In October the government announced a Smart Cities Forum and research - both corporate and academic - is busy exploring the potential of ICT to enhance the sustainability of urban areas. Some of this is about using data and information more effectively, some about better service delivery through integration and client-responsiveness. The aim, from a sustainability perspective, is to reduce resource use through these and other means, all reliant on an extended ICT infrastructure. It is a tempting idea. It seems to embody the idea of a better future in technology-led, almost science fiction terms. We (mainly) love the benefits of better connectivity that current ICT infrastructure offers. So what is the down-side?
Smart Cities are undoubtedly seen as a commercial opportunity - hence the significant investment in this idea by major companies such as Microsoft and Samsung. Nothing wrong in that - that is what these companies are supposed to do. But turning this idea into a public policy direction may mean prioritising commercial enterprise over other concerns. As ever with growth-dependent planning approaches, the aim is that market-led investment in Smart Cities will also provide for quality of life, wellbeing, equity, social inclusion and sustainability (see, for example, the remit for the current Government Foresight project on the Future of Cities - http://www.bis.gov.uk/foresight/our-work/projects/current-projects/future-of-cities. But sometimes it is not possible to have it all; will some communities be left behind by the investment in Smart Cities? Worse, will they be displaced or have to suffer the negative effects of such investment? ICT investment sounds so neutral and clean and safe. But without a very strong commitment to inclusion, sustainability and poverty-reduction, it may prove to be commercial business-as-usual rather than a really different future.
This blog is now taking a holiday until the New Year. Season's Greetings to all readers!
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